The decision to present the awards for cinematography, film editing, live action short and makeup and hairstyling during the breaks has prompted anger, with over 90 directors, cinematographers and filmmakers signing an open letter to publicly criticise the decision.

Signatories of the letter include Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, Spike Lee, Spike Jonze and Ang Lee. The change is described as “nothing less than an insult to those of us who have devoted our lives and passions to our chosen professions.” The letter also pleads for the decision to be overturned before the ceremony on February 24.

Quentin Tarantino is one of the signatories

The letter closes with a statement from Seth Rogan who concluded: “What better way to celebrate achievements in film than to NOT publicly honor the people whose job it is to literally film things.”

The Academy have since issued a statement blaming “inaccurate reporting and social media posts” for “a chain of misinformation that has understandably upset many Academy members.” They added: “no award category at the 91st Oscars ceremony will be presented in a manner that depicts the achievements of its nominees and winners as less than any others.”